Hey, I am no expert on this topic, but have suffered with atypical TN for about 10 yrs now and was originally diagnosed with sinus/ear infections for years. Finally went to Ear, nose, throat specialist and had my head scanned. There was no sign of any infection or blockage. At this point, I was sent to a Neuro and I guess by process of elimination they determined I had ATN. So far, my episodes are sporadic - sometimes only once a month, sometimes 3 -4 days straight. Usually last 4-8 hours. My pain is centered in my right ear and the immediate area surrounding it. Very painful to the touch, a constant hot, boring pain with the ice pick jabs in between. Can hardly move any part of my body without extreme pain - esp. my head or to talk. Heat helps my pain more than anything. I take 200 mg (this is a very low dose) extended release Tegretol every day as a preventive measure.

This forum is a wonderful source of information - and the most compassionate and helpful members anywhere on the internet. Go back to the first posts for this topic and read all of the sticky notes and you will find a lot of useful information there while you are waiting for someone to reply.

I'm so sorry you are suffering like you do, and so hope you get relief soon. Your symptoms sound a little different from what I have read on here, but please see a Neurologist as soon as possilble!

Rhonda